ExpressVPN Review 2024
Our Research
ExpressVPN is a virtual private network (VPN) service geared toward home and individual use. It offers a wide range of compatible devices, 256-bit encryption and split tunneling. You can also configure ExpressVPN on your router to ensure that all devices connected to your network are protected.
The software routes your internet traffic through servers located in nearly 100 countries and offers 24/7 customer support. While ExpressVPN doesn’t offer a dedicated internet protocol (IP) address like many competitors do, the flexible money-back guarantee makes it easy to try for yourself.
ExpressVPN Pros & Cons
Pros
- Very easy to use
- Access streaming content abroad
- Large number of server locations
- Supports split tunneling
- Includes router app that protects all connected devices
- Helpful support
- Highly rated amongst users
Cons
- No dedicated IP option
- Limited business usage
- Not the cheapest
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Overview
What Is ExpressVPN?
VPNs, or virtual private networks, have become indispensable tools in today’s internet-driven world and internet-fed culture. Used to secure and encrypt your IP address on public networks, VPNs protect your online activity from tracking and exploitation by internet predators. ExpressVPN is one of the most popular VPN services, due in part to its compatibility with most devices, its app for routers and large number of server locations. The company is privately held and headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, a country that’s considered privacy-friendly because it does not have any agreements to share data with other countries.
ExpressVPN is a bit of a poster child for the personal VPN market. The company offers more than 3,000 servers in more than 90 different countries, giving you the ability to choose the one offering the fastest speeds. It’s unmatched in security and ease of use, providing an intuitive VPN application that has a lot of advanced technology going on behind the scenes.
What Sets ExpressVPN Apart
Two technology entrepreneurs created ExpressVPN in 2009 to help individuals protect their privacy and personal data while online. Since then, it has grown into one of the top VPN services on the market today, allowing millions of users in over 180 countries to access the internet securely.
Customers want a VPN service that’s fast, secure and offers the best protection against third parties having access to sensitive information. Here are some additional features that make ExpressVPN a solid choice.
Pros
- TrustedServer technology: ExpressVPN prevents apps or their operating systems from retaining data by using RAM or volatile memory. All data will be erased each time the server is powered off and on, preventing any data from remaining on ExpressVPN’s servers.
- Private DNS: Every VPN server runs its own encrypted DNS queries so that there is no chance of exposure to third parties. It also means potentially faster requests so that users can access faster speeds.
- ExpressVPN includes an ad blocker that the company has labeled as a threat manager. What it does is block sites from using trackers on you, so you should stop getting those related ads that tend to pop up on your social media feeds. Essentially, this is a DNS blocker.
Cons
- Although ExpressVPN has a large number of servers, it does not allow as many devices running simultaneously compared to its competitors. While ExpressVPN only allows five connections to run simultaneously, other VPN apps offer unlimited connections.
- Also, ExpressVPN has limited functionality for businesses: There’s no business VPN tier and the business-friendly factors we’re looking at—a dedicated IP and number of simultaneously connectable devices—are nonexistent and standard, respectively.
ExpressVPN Core Features
Anonymous Browsing
ExpressVPN allows you to browse the internet anonymously by never logging your internet traffic or VPN connections. This ensures that nothing can match you with an IP address or timestamp. In addition, shared IP addresses cannot be traced back to you.
DNS Protection Measures
ExpressVPN uses a private DNS. Every VPN server runs its own encrypted DNS queries so that there is no chance of exposure to third parties. It also means potentially faster requests so that users can access faster speeds.
Dedicated IP
ExpressVPN does not offer dedicated, or static, IPs. Instead, ExpressVPN regularly rotates IP addresses from thousands of servers in dozens of locations around the world. This rotation increases user anonymity and safeguards privacy. Users are given the best possible IP available when they connect to the ExpressVPN server.
Kill Switch
ExpressVPN’s kill switch is called Network Lock and is used to help maintain your privacy and security. If for any reason your VPN connection drops, Network Lock will automatically block all online activity until your connection is restored. That way, your IP address and data won’t be exposed.
Split Tunneling
Split tunneling, available on all of ExpressVPN’s supported devices, allows you to choose what traffic goes through the VPN and what traffic goes directly to the internet. Not all VPNs offer this service.
ExpressVPN offers two different ways to take advantage of split tunneling: Users can protect their information on an app-by-app basis, or they can choose a blanket protection approach and choose what apps they wish to exclude.
ExpressVPN Pricing and Plans
ExpressVPN plans include all available apps, unlimited bandwidth and 24/7 customer support.
ExpressVPN has three pricing plans, but as with most VPN companies, the only difference between the plans is the length of commitment. Monthly plans cost $12.95 each month, while the six-month plan costs $59.95 and the annual plan is $99.84. Unless you turn off the auto-bill option, you will automatically be re-billed at the end of the subscription period.
Each subscription comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
| Length of Contract | One month | Six months | 12 months |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly rate | $12.95 | $9.99 | $6.67 |
| Total amount billed | $12.95 | $59.95 | $99.95 |
ExpressVPN Setup
ExpressVPN’s setup process is simple. After signing up and paying for the service through ExpressVPN’s website, you will be invited to download the app. Once the app is downloaded, hit the On Button, and you’ll be instantly connected to the best location for your connection. You can also pick a location from its global network. ExpressVPN’s website also offers step-by-step guides on how to install and use ExpressVPN on all your devices.
ExpressVPN Ease of Use
One of ExpressVPN’s highlights is the fact that its user interface is fairly consistent across all devices and easy to use. The full-featured app works on the five most common operating systems—Windows, macOS, Android, iOS and Linux. Some reviews have found that the setup on the Windows version and macOS version is intuitive, simple and easy to use while the Linux version is more complex to navigate and lacks some features. Both the mobile and browser versions have been reported to be easy to navigate.
ExpressVPN Servers and Locations
ExpressVPN has servers in 94 countries including Argentina, Chile, Albania, Estonia, India, Taiwan, Algeria and South Africa. The physical server and the registered IP address are located in the same country for the vast majority of the locations.
ExpressVPN Speed and Performance
ExpressVPN claims to consistently be one of the top VPNs for speed. Its proprietary VPN Lightway protocol was designed to make the VPN experience speedier.
ExpressVPN Security and Privacy
In addition to hiding your IP address, ExpressVPN uses AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) with 256-bit keys, a.k.a. AES-256, to encrypt your data. The company also never keeps activity logs, including information on DNS queries, traffic destination and browsing history.
ExpressVPN also does not maintain any record of your connection logs, such as source IP address, connection timestamps and any ExpressVPN IP addresses your computer uses.
No-logs Policy
ExpressVPN’s no-logs policy means it does not maintain any record of your connection logs, such as source IP address, session duration, connection timestamps and any ExpressVPN IP addresses your computer uses.
Multifactor Authentication (MFA)
ExpressVPN verifies user identity with MFA, which adds two or more identity-checking steps to user logins. This provides a major security boost to any online account, especially if a password is compromised.
ExpressVPN Customer Service and Support
Customers can access thorough tutorials and articles through the company’s support center. Support is also available through its live chat option 24/7.
ExpressVPN Device Compatibility
One ExpressVPN subscription allows users to connect up to five different devices at a time. These devices can be computers (laptops and desktops), mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, wireless routers, streaming media consoles, browsers, smart TVs and more. It is important to note that users can install ExpressVPN on every device they own but are limited on how many may be actively connected at the same time.
ExpressVPN for Streaming
Some users are drawn to ExpressVPN specifically because of its reputation for being able to unlock any available content to watch online. The ExpressVPN app works on certain streaming media consoles including Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire Stick, Chromecast with Google TV, Nintendo Switch and streaming media consoles that run on Android TV.
ExpressVPN gives users the ability to bypass content-based throttling and government censorship, meaning that users can watch shows or movies that are not available where they are located. The ability to stream and download content with unlimited bandwidth means users will have a smooth streaming experience free from throttling.
ExpressVPN Alternatives and How They Compare
| ExpressVPN | NordVPN | Hotspot Shield | Surfshark | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Annual Price | $99.95 | $67.35 | $95.99 | $47.88 |
| Anonymous Browsing | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| DNS Protection Measures | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dedicated IP | No | Yes | No | No |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Multifactor Authentication | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| No-Logs Policy | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Comparing different VPN services makes sense since you want to ensure the plan you ultimately choose will protect your data and allow you to work at faster speeds. Three other contenders, NordVPN, Hotspot Shield and Surfshark, offer similar features and competitive prices.
While the Kill Switch feature is common among VPNs, NordVPN has taken it a notch higher. The VPN allows you to kill the internet for particular apps and servers on your device.
ExpressVPN vs. NordVPN
NordVPN offers a higher number of services and maximum number of simultaneous devices, but it does not offer the option of a VPN router like ExpressVPN. However, users who want a dedicated IP address will like that NordVPN offers this service for an extra $5.83 per month. For business users, NordVPN also offers a business-tier subscription called NordLayer.
ExpressVPN vs. Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield offers a similar number of servers as ExpressVPN for about the same price, but it has slightly lower user reviews. This option may be a solid choice for users having trouble committing, as it’s one of the only reputable VPNs with a free version. Though when it comes to privacy and security, we don’t recommend relying solely on a free VPN.
ExpressVPN vs. Surfshark
ExpressVPN and Surfshark have a lot in common. Neither VPN offers a dedicated IP (DIP), which grants you the ability to access IP-restricted networks while maintaining your anonymity.
Both VPNs come with 24/7 access to customer support as well as a 30-day money-back guarantee period, have around the same number of servers (ExpressVPN has 3,000 while Surfshark has 3,200) and are compatible with Android, iOS, Mac, Windows and Linux. Surfshark is also compatible with Fire TV.
While ExpressVPN limits the number of devices you can use to five, it offers a higher-speed internet connection and more than double the number of server locations as Surfshark. On the other hand, Surfshark allows users to connect to an unlimited number of devices.
Is ExpressVPN Right for You?
ExpressVPN is a leader in the VPN world. Its fast speed, high number of positive reviews and broad network of servers are a few of the reasons it ranked on our list of the best VPNs in 2024.
ExpressVPN, however, is not for every user and every situation. For example, it’s a solid solution for those looking to change their server location easily and access streaming services, such as Netflix outside of the United States.
ExpressVPN for Personal Use
ExpressVPN is a service geared toward individuals first. It openly touts not providing business VPN services to best protect the privacy of individuals, not corporations.
ExpressVPN for Business Use
ExpressVPN may still work for some small businesses in certain circumstances. ExpressVPN supports up to five devices simultaneously. Ostensibly, a business of five could use ExpressVPN for remote protection. Or, if the business has a centralized office, it may protect all devices connected to an ExpressVPN-compatible router.
Split tunneling is also a useful feature for businesses that need to route some sensitive traffic through the VPN and some directly to the internet. However, those who are after additional protection such as a dedicated IP, a core business feature, will need to look elsewhere.
Our Experience
For individuals who want to protect personal data while browsing, stream international television shows or who just want to avoid ads, ExpressVPN is an excellent choice. Its high-tech security features are unmatched. For those on a budget, however, ExpressVPN is more expensive than many of its competitors. While the VPN application offers advanced technology to keep your data safe, it is still easy and intuitive to use. While ExpressVPN is great for personal use, it was not designed for businesses.
Bottom line
ExpressVPN’s reputation precedes it. If you’re looking for superior security, service, and speed, ExpressVPN is the way to go. You’ll be paying more for ExpressVPN than for the competition, but what you’ll get in return is incomparable. Top-notch security, no logging whatsoever, and the fastest streaming and download speeds around, among other benefits, are reasons to choose ExpressVPN.
